ThinKom develops mobile high-power microwave system for counter-drone operations | Military Aerospace
AI Analysis
ThinKom Solutions is developing 'Alecto,' a mobile high-power microwave (HPM) system designed for counter-drone operations, specifically targeting drone swarms. The system utilizes steerable antennas and focuses microwave energy to disrupt drone electronics without relying on pre-programmed data, enabling real-time engagement. Alecto’s reduced size and power requirements allow for deployment on smaller, mobile platforms.
Key Takeaways
- Alecto employs a steerable antenna architecture for tracking drones in motion without preloaded data.
- The system disrupts drone electronics using focused microwave energy.
- Alecto is designed for portability and integration onto small vehicles and unmanned ground platforms.
- ThinKom is self-funding development and plans to adapt the system for maritime and airborne applications.
- The system is designed for rapid deployment and integration with existing command structures.
Why It Matters
The development of mobile, high-power microwave systems represents a significant advancement in counter-UAS technology, offering a non-kinetic solution to neutralize drone swarms. This capability addresses a critical vulnerability in modern warfare and security scenarios, and the portability of Alecto expands potential deployment options. The system's adaptability to multiple environments suggests a broader application beyond solely countering drones.
ThinKom develops mobile high-power microwave system for counter-drone operations | Military Aerospace
ThinKom develops mobile high-power microwave system for counter-drone operations
ThinKom is developing a mobile HPM system to track and disrupt drone swarms while supporting deployment on smaller, mobile platforms.
2 min read
Key Highlights
- Alecto uses steerable antennas to track and engage drone swarms in motion without relying on preloaded data.
- The system applies focused microwave energy to disrupt onboard electronics, neutralizing threats effectively.
- Designed for portability, Alecto reduces size and power requirements, making it suitable for smaller vehicles and uncrewed platforms.
HAWTHORNE, Calif. – ThinKom Solutions, based in California, is developing a mobile high-power microwave system designed to counter drone swarms. This effort marks its entry into directed energy systems for field deployment.
The platform, called Alecto, uses a steerable antenna architecture to track targets while in motion. It doesn't rely on preloaded data, allowing operators to respond in real time. Alecto then applies focused microwave energy to disrupt onboard electronics. It directs its beam across a wide field of view, maintaining precise control while limiting spread.
The design reduces the size and power demands typically associated with these systems, making it suitable for installation on smaller vehicles and uncrewed ground platforms.
Related: ThinKom Ka2517 antenna earns type certification
Swarm defense and electronic effects
ThinKom is targeting swarm defense as a primary use case. The capability can extend beyond counter-UAS missions to other electronic targets, with both military and non-military applications.
Operators interact with the system through a simplified control interface, and it integrates with existing command structures. The platform is designed for rapid setup and movement alongside deployed units.
ThinKom is funding development internally as it builds out its directed energy portfolio, with plans to adapt the system for additional environments, including maritime and airborne use.
"With Alecto, ThinKom demonstrates its dedication to equipping the warfighter with critical, enabling solutions needed on the modern battlefield," said Dan Roman, VP of Electronic Warfare and High Power Microwave. "By investing our own capital, we have been able to greatly accelerate the development cycles, embodying the agility required by the Department of War.”
About the Author
Samantha McGrail
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